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Swinging Bridge Campground - reserve
Overview:
Swinging Bridge Campground is located approximately 11 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off State Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities.
The Campground is one of 4 campgrounds that lie along State Highway 55, on the North Fork of the Payette River between Banks and Smiths Ferry.
Natural Features:
The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above State Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.
Recreation:
The North Fork Payette River is a very popular location for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The Payette Whitewater Roundup is held annually in July along different sections of the river.
Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 2021 Scheduled to open May 7. |
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| Operational Hours: | May – September |
| Reservations: | Make a reservation HERE at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Fees: | This is a fee campground. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. Please bring cash or check. This campground has first come, first served sites that may be available. A fee will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Horseshoe Bend, Idaho |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | vault toilet |
| Information Center: | Facilities:The campground contains single-family sites, each with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. |
General Information
Directions:From Boise, Idaho travel north along State Highway 55 for approximately 38 miles to Banks, Idaho.
From Banks, continue north along State Highway 55 for approximately 11 miles. Turn left after the sign at the entrance of the campground.
Activities
Campground Camping
Total of 11 sites.River and Stream Fishing
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the river fisheries. Fishing is good to excellent most of the year. Fishing occurs from the riverbanks. Whitefish and rainbow trout are the predominate species.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Big Game Hunting
Hunting is good on both sides of the river during the legal season. Due to heavy highway traffic, hunting is best on the higher slopes. Big game (deer, elk & bear) is located throughout the surrounding mountains.| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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